The Iowa Hawkeyes were ranked fifth in the preseason AP Poll, only because of one man: Luka Garza. He dropped out of the 2020 NBA Draft to help the Hawkeyes win their first-ever NCAA title. And so far, he has been on a mission.

Garza just won his second Big Ten Conference Player of the Week in three weeks. In three games against North Carolina, Iowa State, and Northern Illinois, he averaged 24.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks. With this massive performance, he helped the Hawkeyes to continue their unbeaten run, and they are currently 6-0.

Luka Garza: Man among boys

From the time he announced that he will play his senior year at Iowa, Garza has been the favorite for the Naismith Player of the Year award. Standing at 6’11, he is taller than most of his counterparts. So he is already towering over defenses. He makes the most out of this and is a threat down low.

Garza’s post game is incredible, and he gives defenses no chance as he muscles through them to finish at the rim. His offensive rebounding is excellent, and that gives him a good chance to get second-chance points for Iowa.

His post play is so good that one may mistake him for a traditional center. But this season, he has been a sniper from three too. So far, he is averaging a ridiculous 68% from three, while taking 3.2 attempts per game.

Not only is Garza an offensive juggernaut, but his rim protection is also on an elite level. He currently averages 2.2 blocks per game and has been impressive on the defensive end as well.

Can Garza help the Hawkeyes to continue their unbeaten run?

The Hawkeyes are currently an average of 100 points per game and have the second best offense in the country. So far, they have faced only one ranked opponent in UNC, and now their toughest test awaits them on December 19, as they travel to Sioux Falls to take on Gonzaga.

This is also going to be the most exciting game of the season so far, as the #1 ranked Bulldogs face the #3 ranked Hawkeyes. This will be Garza’s opportunity to show out and lead Iowa to the win.